National RTAP Tribal Transit Program

TRIBAL TRANSIT

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This lists technical assistance and training resources geared to Tribal Transit managers, staff, and riders.

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Tribal Transit Peer Forum

This private Forum is a place for sharing questions and information. National RTAP staff monitor the forum and help provide answers not fully addressed by peers.

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Tribal Transit Awards

The awards were presented at our 2023 and 2019 Conferences to honor outstanding tribal transit agencies and staff.

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Tribal Transit Events

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Tribal Scholarships


We provided scholarships to several tribal transit agencies for our Conference in Myrtle Beach, December 3-6, 2023.

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More About NTICC

National RTAP / Transportation Safety Institute (TSI)


Fundamentals of Bus Collision Investigation


March 9-13, 2026


Contact Neil Rodriguez for registration information.  You will be added to the list or waitlist.


Hotel Room Block: Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport South-Cruise Port, 2500 Stirling Rd, Hollywood, FL 33020

954-922-0011, Booking Link


This course includes basic investigation tools and techniques relating to data collection, on-scene evidence documentation, damage and debris evidence analysis, witness interview techniques, computation of simple speed estimates, and report writing. Implementation of techniques learned can greatly improve the effectiveness of accident investigations and root-cause analysis. This course requires a working knowledge of basic high school algebra. The instructor team utilizes multiple scenario-based classroom practice exercises, to effectively assist participants in understanding the use of mathematical formulas to determine various elements related to bus collisions.


Course Elements

  • SMS-based practical applications used to reduce bus collisions and Chain-of-Events in a collision
  • Center of mass and evaluating damage and debris
  • Interpretation and measurement of marks on the road
  • General principles of collision investigation, math and use of calculators
  • Minimum speed estimates from skid marks and yaw marks
  • Interview techniques
  • Principles of field sketching
  • Photography
  • Collision case preparation and presentation workshop
  • Outdoor exercise (PPE required: leather upper/closed toe shoes)
  • Pretest, quizzes, homework, group presentations, final exam


Who Should Attend:

Bus Operator Trainers, Collision Investigators, On-scene Investigators, Investigation Policy Developers, Investigation Policy Administrators and Implementers, Reporting Personnel, Investigation Policy Implementers, Safety Managers, Safety Supervisors, Operations Supervisors, Risk Managers, Field Supervisors, Operations Managers, Maintenance Managers, and Maintenance Supervisors.


How You Will Benefit:

  • Identify your responsibilities during a collision investigation 
  • Select and apply the correct formulas to determine minimum speed from skid marks
  • Assemble the collision investigation
  • Interpret skid and other types of marks on the road
  • Drag factor and how to construct a drag sled 
  • Field sketching methodology and templates 
  • Interview techniques, including witnesses and employees 
  • Assembly of collision investigation documentation, checklists, report writing 
  • Investigation tools
  • Fatigue awareness and countermeasures 
  • Collision scene photography 
  • Determining the drag factor, grade, curve, radius, field sketching, and measurement
  • Determination of variances for grades, super-elevation, and faulty brakes


What You Will Learn:

  • Chain of events and contributing factors: equipment, environment and human
  • Evidence analysis, documentation, and lamp inspection 
  • Interpretation of skids and other marks on the road 
  • Fundamentals of collision investigation math, review of high school algebra  


About the FTA Tribal Transit Program

The Federal Transit Administration’s Public Transportation on Indian Reservation Roads program, or Tribal Transit Program (TTP), provides funding to federally recognized tribes for capital, operating, planning, and administrative expenses for public transit projects that meet the growing needs of rural tribal communities. 

History

Originally established as a discretionary funding program by SAFETEA-LU in 2006, the TTP was revised in 2012 under MAP-21 to include both a discretionary and a formula component. Formula funds were allocated to eligible tribes for the first time in federal FY 2013, in accordance with a formula outlined in MAP-21 and after consultation with Indian tribes.

Current Program

The FAST Act (December 4, 2015) authorized funding for the Tribal Transit Program for FY 2016-2021 as a set-aside from the Formula Grants for Rural Areas (Section 5311) program, with $30 million formula program and a $5 million competitive grant program. A 10% local match was required under the competitive program, however, there was no local match required under the formula program.


The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as enacted in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, authorizes funding for the TTP for FY 2022-2026. The TTP continues to be a set-aside from the Section 5311 program. For FY 2022, the funding consists of a $35 million formula program and a $9 million competitive grant program, subject to appropriations. The funding is set to increase incrementally over four years.

For more information about the TTP, including formula funding allocations, discretionary projects awarded, and training materials, visit FTA's Tribal Transit Program page.


On October 1, 2020, a new Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program (TTSGP) final rule became effective, providing federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations with greater control, flexibility, and decision-making authority over federal funds used to carry out tribal transportation programs, functions, services, and activities (PFSAs) in tribal communities. The TTSGP also affords Tribes and Tribal organizations with specific rights and federal resources to implement and support their Self-Governance programs. To learn more, visit the U.S. DOT Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program page.

FTA Regional Tribal Liaisons

Each FTA Region has one or more FTA Tribal Liaisons.  They are available to assist Tribal FTA grant recipients.


Updated October 24, 2025